The rabbit was introduced from France in the 12th century and was protected for hundreds of years by landowners who valued it for its meat. It has now become the most familiar wild animal in the UK and also one of the most destructive agricultural pests.

On average a female rabbitt will produce about 10 live young and has a gestation period of approximately four weeks with sexual maturity in three to four months. Range: An adult rabbit will rarely venture further than 200 metres from the main burrow, but juveniles can move up to 4 kilometres at the end of the breeding season. Damage: This is estimated to run to £100 million per annum.

Treatments to reduce rabbit numbers include cage traps, gassing and shooting. All Standby Marksman are trained and are fully licensed to use firearms.

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